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• This form of communication is for informational purposes only and NOT legal advice.

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• You are urged not to send us any confidential information contained in an e-mail or any attachment until such time as we have indicated to you that we are able to review that information.

• You recognize that our review of your information, even if it is confidential and even if it is transmitted in a good faith effort to retain us, does not preclude us from representing another client directly adverse to you, even in a matter where that information could and will be used against you.

• If you have time sensitive information do not e-mail us. Please call us and schedule an initial consultation at (619) 234-3838.

• By clicking “Accept,” you represent that you understand this disclosure and agree that submitting this form to our attorneys DOES NOT establish any type of attorney client relationship with the Men's Legal Center.

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Client’s Testimonials

Bwayne 0.

I'll start by saying that Dianne Jones truly became my Guardian Angel! In regards to my divorce case that has lasted several years without an end in sight

Adam B.

I just had my first meeting with Dianne Jones at Men's Legal Center. I walked into the office entirely overwhelmed at the divorce process after being served

Shane M.

Being a dad with two baby mommas, I was scared of the court process hearing that California is a mommy state. DO NOT BELIEVE THIS! A big THANK YOU to Men's

Aug

9

California Has Near-Record Child Support Debt

A sluggish economy and high interest rates are being blamed for near-record delinquencies in child support across California. To date, the state is showing nearly $20 billion in unpaid child support payments, according to the Department of Child Support Services. This number has remained relatively unchanged since 2007, when the economic woes plaguing the rest of the nation’s industries began to emerge. Experts place part of the blame on the state’s high interest rates for unpaid debt.

About 80 percent of the debt is held by those making less than $15,000 per year, making it unlikely that a quick solution is on the horizon. California’s rate of interest on unpaid child support is one of the highest in the country at ten percent. Only four states have higher interest rates. Many experts claim that charging higher interest does not benefit anyone: not the state, who cannot collect the debts; not the parents who are crippled by unpayable amounts; and not the children who the support is intended to benefit.

Many non-custodial parents are laboring under child support orders that were issued when they had good jobs. Now that the economic stability of many industries has plummeted, these same parents are struggling to make the minimum payments on their debts. In fact, child support debt can show up on credit reports, making it even harder for parents to find jobs if they lose their current employment.

How Can I Avoid Delinquent Child Support?

Most parents who are not paying child support are not “deadbeat parents.” They are, however, caught in a spiral of debt from which they may never emerge without help. Here are some tips to help you avoid the trap of unpaid child support:

Retain an attorney for your divorce. You may think you do not have the money to pay a lawyer, but you may find out that this could be the most expensive mistake you ever make. Parents without legal representation are far more likely to enter into “bad” divorce agreements that leave them penniless.

Get help instantly. As soon as you lose your job or have a significant reduction in income, begin to take steps to have your child support agreement modified. It may take some time to accomplish this, so the sooner you start the better.

Continue to pay your child support. Do everything you can, including getting a part-time job, to pay child support. Slipping into arrearage is the beginning of the slide into disaster for most people. It is better to work hard for a few months until you can work out lower payments than to be in jail for non-payment.

A California divorce attorney may be able to help you avoid the problem of unpaid child support and harmful child support agreements.

DISCLAIMER AND NON DISCLOSURE
OF ATTORNEY CLIENT PRIVILEGE

• This form of communication is for informational purposes only and NOT legal advice.

• You agree that submitting electronic information to us does not constitute a request for legal advice and that you are not forming an attorney-client relationship between any attorneys affiliated, or employed by the Men’s Legal Center, unless agreed upon via retainer agreement with the Men’s Legal Center.

• You are urged not to send us any confidential information contained in an e-mail or any attachment until such time as we have indicated to you that we are able to review that information.

• You recognize that our review of your information, even if it is confidential and even if it is transmitted in a good faith effort to retain us, does not preclude us from representing another client directly adverse to you, even in a matter where that information could and will be used against you.

• If you have time sensitive information do not e-mail us. Please call us and schedule an initial consultation at (619) 234-3838.

• By clicking “Accept,” you represent that you understand this disclosure and agree that submitting this form to our attorneys DOES NOT establish any type of attorney client relationship with the Men's Legal Center.